A World of Difference

Lori Adams-Brown, a Strategic Transformation Executive, Board Director, Global Speaker and Podcast Host challenges audiences to get clear on your personal values, to speak up when there is a values misalignment, and to reject self-limiting beliefs that hold leaders back in an era of capitulation from Silicon Valley to Washington DC. Who we are as leaders matters, and getting clear on your personal values, working on self-awareness and letting our values be our filter in decisions matters a great deal in leadership today. Lori speaks about why now is the time to speak up. Whether you serve on a board, in a C-suite, in a university, or an NGO, this is the time to share your perspective. The worlds needs your voice, your perspective, and better decisions are made around decision-making tables when you speak up. Lori Adams-Brown is a strategic transformation executive, board director, and sought-after speaker who helps CEOs prevent the $10M blind spots that erode trust, lose top talent, and kill billion-dollar opportunities. For over 20 years, she's advised Fortune 100 C-suites and global leaders on organizational effectiveness that mitigates business risk and accelerates growth. She's architected AI-enabled leadership programs across seven global cities that elevated manager effectiveness 48%, contributed to $1B+ revenue, and transformed cultures where humans flourish and businesses scale. Lori has directed $16M budgets, built programs in 11 countries in five languages, and coordinated UN disaster relief serving 2,000+ stakeholders. She serves on the boards of the Center for Creative Leadership and How Women Lead, and hosts the top 3% podcast A World of Difference. She holds an M.A. in Intercultural Studies, speaks six languages, and has lived on three continents. Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

In this engaging conversation, Lori Adams-Brown interviews Mita Mallick about her book "The Devil Emails at Midnight: What Good Leaders Can Learn from Bad Bosses." Mita shares personal stories and insights on leadership, workplace culture, and the impact of bad bosses on mental health. The discussion covers the importance of self-awareness, setting boundaries, and the role of personal relationships in professional settings. The genesis of Mita's book started with a personal experience of her mother's home being flooded. Mita found an old notebook with stories about bad bosses, which inspired her book. Fear-driven workplaces may achieve short-term results but harm long-term culture. Mita shares a 'water test' to identify toxic workplaces during interviews. Setting boundaries is crucial for respect and inclusion in the workplace. Personal relationships can complicate professional decisions, especially in leadership roles. Mita emphasizes the importance of self-care for effective leadership. The conversation highlights the normalization of toxic behavior in workplaces. Mita advises doing reference checks on potential employers. The book encourages readers to learn from bad bosses to become better leaders. My special guest is Mita Mallick Mallick is a highly sought-after speaker who has advised Fortune 500 companies and start-ups alike. She is a LinkedIn Top Voice and was named to the Thinkers 50 Radar List. She’s a contributor to Harvard Business Review, Fast Company, Adweek, and Entrepreneur. Mallick has been featured in The New York Times, The Wall Street Journal, The Washington Post, Time Magazine, Forbes, Axios, Essence, Cosmopolitan Magazine and Business Insider. Mallick holds a B.A. from Barnard College, Columbia University and an M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business. Learning from Bad Bosses The Devil Emails at Midnight Leadership Lessons from Mita Mallick Navigating Toxic Workplaces Setting Boundaries for Success The Impact of Bad Bosses Self-Care in Leadership Identifying Toxic Workplaces The Role of Personal Relationships in Leadership Transforming Workplace Culture Key topics: leadership, workplace culture, bad bosses, mental health, self-awareness "The Devil Emails at Midnight" "Fear kills culture in the longterm" "Set boundaries for respect" "Personal relationships complicate decisions" "Self-care is key to leadership" "Normalize toxic behavior in workplaces" "Do reference checks on employers" "Learn from bad bosses" "Water test for toxic workplaces" "Respect is a basic need" 00:00:01 Introduction and Book Overview 00:00:29 Inspiration Behind the Book 00:01:27 Fear-Driven Workplaces 00:02:27 Impact of Bad Bosses 00:04:10 Setting Boundaries 00:07:30 Personal Relationships in Leadership 00:11:39 Self-Care and Leadership 00:18:54 Cultural and Personal Background 00:25:20 Advice for Navigating Workplace Dynamics 00:30:51 Conclusion and How to Connect with Mita Connect with us: https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com Linkedin YouTube Substack FaceBook Instagram Threads Patreon (for exclusive episodes just for Difference Makers) Bluesky TikTok Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

So, what if the “messy middle” moments in your life—the stuff you’d rather sweep under the rug—are actually secret doorways to real creativity? Laura Munson, bestselling author and founder of Haven writing retreats, has wandered from Montana’s wild woods to ancient stones in Ireland, and she’s convinced that wonder isn’t something you stumble across—it’s something you can choose, even in the thick of heartbreak or change. Turns out, the story you’ve been telling yourself might just be the prologue. But here’s the twist: what if your biggest breakthroughs actually start when you stop trying so hard to “be creative” and start letting yourself just be? There’s a pretty wild story behind how Laura’s own life detours unlocked something unexpected for her (and for the writers who show up at her retreats). Want to know what happens when you give yourself permission to wonder again? Stick around… In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how life’s toughest challenges can unlock unexpected personal transformation and deeper self-awareness. Experience the unique ways writing retreats can ignite growth and unlock creative potential in your journey. Explore how embracing life’s surprises can open new paths to creativity and self-expression. Cultivate a sense of wonder in everyday moments to enhance emotional resilience and bring fresh meaning to your life. Build resilience by learning how storytelling connects your experiences and strengthens your authentic voice. My special guest is LAURA MUNSON is the New York Times, USA Today, and international bestselling author of the novel Willa’s Grove and the memoir This Is Not The Story You Think It Is. Founder of the acclaimed Haven Writing Retreats, she has been featured or published in Vanity Fair, Elle, Redbook, Time, Newsweek, The New York Times “Modern Love” column, The New York Times Magazine, O, The Oprah Magazine, and many others. She has appeared on Good Morning America, The Early Show, WGN, NPR, London’s This Morning, Australia’s Sunrise, and other global media outlets. She lives in Whitefish, Montana. The key moments in this episode are:00:07:03 - The Power of Storytelling and Finding Safe Listeners 00:09:18 - Travel as a Catalyst for Wonder and Personal Transformation 00:13:05 - Embracing Awe and Travel to Ignite Curiosity and Wonder 00:15:50 - The Value of Being Present and Slowing Down Through Travel and Life 00:19:31 - Finding Your Unique Voice and Creativity by Reconnecting with Inner Truth 00:21:47 - Cultivating Wonder and Empathy as Foundations for Connection and Civilization 00:23:29 - Writing True and Listening Deeply: Pathways to Self-Discovery and Connection 00:25:02 - The Power of Vulnerability and Storytelling in Personal Growth 00:27:05 - Cultivating Mindfulness and Wonder Through Journaling 00:29:57 - Mindfulness and Creativity in a Fast-Paced, Tech-Driven World 00:31:02 - Origins and Purpose of Haven Writing Retreats 00:34:26 - Writing as a Therapeutic Tool for Emotional Clarity 00:37:07 - Discovering Your Natural Strengths with the Working Genius Assessment 00:37:41 - Embracing Wonder as a Vital Life Force 00:38:17 - Supporting Independent Bookstores and Creative Communities 00:39:11 - Choosing Wonder and Creativity in Life’s Challenges Visit lauramunson.com to learn more about Laura Munson’s writing, in-person retreats, and online community Haven Nest. Go to Haven Writing Retreats to find information and sign up for Laura Munson’s transformative writing retreats in Montana and around the world. Purchase The Wild Why: Stories and Teachings to Uncover Your Wonder by Laura Munson, preferably through independent bookstores or online at bookshop.org to support local booksellers. Access exclusive extended conversations and bonus content by becoming a Patreon supporter at patreon.com/aworldofdifference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever wondered if being “nice” at work could actually be making everything worse? Picture this: a leader so shielded by everyone’s politeness that a single, cringeworthy comment in the halls of Congress nearly tanks a $9 million deal—while everyone else sits silent, protecting comfort over honesty. Turns out, our obsession with not rocking the boat isn’t just awkward... it can be downright destructive. But here’s the twist: the real danger isn’t ego or greed. It’s this sneaky, everyday culture of niceness that’s quietly costing us big—more than we realize. So what’s the true price we pay for keeping the peace, and how can we start to flip the script? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how the impact of niceness in workplace culture can quietly shape team dynamics and influence overall success. Unlock the keys to building psychological safety that encourages genuine conversations and boosts team confidence. Understand the hidden consequences of avoiding conflict at work and how it can stall growth and damage trust. My special guest is Amira Barger Amira K.S. Barger, MBA, CVA, CFRE is an award-winning communications and change management executive, author, and professor. She counsels Fortune 500 companies at the intersection of health equity, diversity, and trust. A scholar-practitioner with over 20 years of experience, Amira is also a marketing and change management Professor at California State University East Bay, shaping the next generation of leaders. Her forthcoming book, The Price of Nice: Why Comfort Keeps Us Stuck—And 4 Actions for Real Change (Berrett-Koehler, Oct 2025), critiques the cultural costs of “niceness” in the workplace and offers a roadmap toward equity-driven leadership. Amira’s thought leadership appears regularly in outlets such as MSNBC, Fast Company, and Nonprofit Quarterly. Raised on the island of Guam, Amira brings a global perspective, a deep commitment to public health, and a belief in building humanity-centered workplaces. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:00 - Navigating Niceness and Conflict Avoidance in the Workplace 00:04:00 - Bringing a Global Mindset to American Workplace Culture 00:08:00 - Understanding and Challenging Sacred Cows in Organizations 00:12:00 - The Cost of Comfort Over Candor in Leadership 00:13:32 - The Troubling Relationship Between Silicon Valley and Washington D.C. 00:15:12 - The Ladies Who Lunch: Power, Influence, and Performative Philanthropy 00:20:21 - Niceness, Leadership, and the Risks of Capitulation in Modern Organizations 00:22:58 - Challenging Stories and Leadership Narratives to Foster Change 00:25:25 - Vacation Hair and the Cost of Being Nice: A Personal Leadership Lesson 00:26:38 - Childhood Lessons on Speaking Truth and Its Consequences 00:28:17 - The Matching Principle and Effective Communication Types 00:31:37 - Navigating Voice and Nerve in Challenging Workplace Contexts 00:33:52 - Building Psychological Safety as a System in Organizations 00:37:53 - The High Price of Silence and Retaliation in the Workplace Find and follow Amira Barger on all social media platforms using the handle @amirabarger and visit amirabarger.com for information about her speaking engagements, book tour, and communications/propaganda analysis class on TikTok. Pre-order Amira Barger's book, The Price of Nice, to learn more about her insights and strategies for challenging workplace culture Connect on ⁠Substack⁠ at loriadamsbrown.substack.com to access behind-the-scenes content, exclusive in-depth articles, and become a paid subscriber for additional benefits. Linkedin YouTube Patreon Subscribe, leave a review, and share this episode If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% offf with the code: DIFFERENT Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the real reason your best people are leaving isn’t about paychecks or perks, but something way bigger, something you might not even be measuring yet? There’s a quiet shift happening in the workforce that’s turning traditional retention strategies upside down. And here’s the kicker: companies that embrace it aren’t just keeping their talent. They’re watching productivity and promotions soar, with results that might surprise you. So, what’s the one move that could help your people see a future with you, and keep them from walking away? Let’s dig into it. In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how internal learning ecosystems can unlock career growth and keep employees engaged longer. Uncover the surprising ways talent development directly boosts employee retention and loyalty. Explore smart strategies for internal mobility that ramp up productivity and fuel workforce motivation. Learn how AI is reshaping workforce skills and what that means for your talent development plans. Build clear internal career pathways that inspire employees to stay and grow within your organization. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - The Importance of Professional Support and Mental Health Resources 00:01:00 - Addressing Employee Retention Through Career Growth 00:02:25 - The Shift from Manager to Career Development as a Retention Strategy 00:05:29 - Internal Mobility Drives Retention and Business Success 00:08:37 - Future-Proofing Organizations with Learning Agility and Cross-Functional Leadership "When people see a path forward inside your company, they stay; and when they feel invested in, they perform." - Lori Adams-Brown Connect with me on Substack at loriadamsbrown.substack.com as a free or paid subscriber for exclusive, in-depth content. Share this episode with a leader, friend, parent, neighbor, colleague, boss, or team member who would benefit from the message. Subscribe to the podcast, leave a review, and share this episode with someone who might need to hear it. Your support helps the community grow and keeps these important conversations going. If you need professional help, such as therapy: https://www.betterhelp.com/difference If you are looking for your next opportunity, sign up for Lori’s Masterclass on Master the Career Pivot: https://www.loriadamsbrown.com/careerpivot Difference Makers who are podcast listeners get 10% off with the code: DIFFERENT "Companies that invest in the growth of their people build the future of their businesses—because when you invest in people, you don’t just retain them, you expand what’s possible for the organization." - Lori Adams-Brown Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Ever heard these myths floating around about leadership and work-life balance? Myth #1: True leaders have to hustle nonstop to be successful. Myth #2: Burnout just means you’re not cut out for the job. Myth #3: Neuroplasticity is only for scientists—not something leaders can actually use. I’m about to spill the truth on how to flip these old stories on their head—so you can actually lead with clarity, energy, and a life that feels good. Ready for a totally different take? Stick around! In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how soul-aligned leadership strategies can transform your decision-making and inspire your team from within. Learn to overcome burnout by tapping into mindfulness techniques that reset your energy and focus. Explore the hidden ways work culture shapes mental health and what that means for your leadership approach. Unlock the benefits of adopting a one week per month lifestyle to boost creativity and work-life balance. Harness the power of neuroplasticity to reshape your leadership skills and adapt to new challenges with ease. My special guest is Dr. Nona Djavid Dr. Nona Djavid is a neuroscientist-trained chiropractor, entrepreneur, author, and founder of eLIVate Club and the One Week/Month Lifestyle™. She helps leaders and entrepreneurs rewire their subconscious, regulate their nervous system, and step into their fullest potential—leading with alignment, vision, and purpose. The key moments in this episode are:00:01:00 - Redefining Success: Dr. Nona Javid’s Journey to Soul-Aligned Leadership 00:07:40 - Navigating Workforce Changes and AI Impact in Leadership 00:11:40 - Neuroscience and the Nervous System’s Role in Leadership Resilience 00:13:30 - Breaking Free from Past Patterns to Lead Differently 00:14:00 - Harnessing Visualization to Transform Leadership and Relationships 00:17:00 - The Ripple Effect of Emotional Self-Management in Work and Home Life 00:19:30 - Teaching Emotional Responsibility and Regulation from Childhood to Leadership 00:24:40 - Addressing Workplace Incivility and the Need for Self-Awareness in Leadership 00:27:00 - Navigating Organizational Change with Human-Centered Leadership 00:27:51 - Pandemic Impact on Social Connection and Emotional Health 00:31:38 - Core Elements of Authentic and Soul-Aligned Leadership 00:35:12 - Leadership During Increased Workloads and Embracing Team Collaboration 00:36:16 - The One Week a Month Leadership Lifestyle for Empowered Teams 00:40:54 - Global Work Cultures and the Importance of Rest for Leadership Sustainability 00:42:09 - Comparing Work-Life Balance: Silicon Valley vs. Italy 00:43:35 - Productivity and Time Management Lessons from Italy 00:44:40 - Addressing Workplace Stress and the Always-On Culture 00:45:43 - Cultural and Geographic Differences Impacting Work Styles 00:46:22 - Connecting with Dr. Nona Djavid and Continuing the Conversation Connect with Dr. Nona Djavid on LinkedIn to learn more about her work and services. Visit Dr. Nona Djavid’s website for additional information and resources. Join the Patreon community Difference Makers for exclusive content and additional questions with podcast guests. Subscribe to loriadamsbrown.substack.com as a free or paid subscriber for behind-the-scenes insights and in-depth articles related to the podcast. Share the podcast episode with friends, family, colleagues, or your team, and leave a five-star rating and review to help others discover the show. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Tired of the AI tool chase? Discover how to lead with responsibility in an AI-driven world through human-centered strategies. Learn how AI can enhance MBA skills and future-proof mid-career leaders by focusing on people. Explore practical tools that streamline productivity while emphasizing ethical training for teams. Uncover the intersection of AI and sustainability to promote a greener future, and understand the powerful questions leaders should ask to ensure AI serves society well.

Ever wondered what really happens behind closed boardroom doors when leaders are faced with uncomfortable truths, especially when speaking up could cost them their job? This conversation isn’t just about corporate buzzwords or performative change. It’s an unfiltered look at how fear quietly shapes decisions, and how a handful of micro-courage moments can actually flip the script for whole organizations. If you think courage at work is all about bold speeches, think again. There’s a twist here that might just change the way you see your own leadership, and what’s possible for your team. Ready to find out what most leaders are missing (and why it matters now more than ever)? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how cultivating courage in the workplace can unlock bold decisions that drive real growth and innovation. Learn strategies to overcome fear in leadership that empower you to lead with confidence and authenticity. Build people-first cultures that inspire loyalty, boost morale, and create teams ready to tackle any challenge. Master emotional intelligence and respectful communication to transform workplace relationships and fuel collaboration. My special guests are Kristen Kavanaugh, Mike Randolph Kristen Kavanaugh brings a wealth of real-world leadership experience shaped by roles that truly matter, from her time as Senior Director of Inclusion, Talent, and Learning at Tesla to her service as a Naval Academy graduate and veteran. As Founder and CEO of The Agency Initiative, Kristen focuses on helping leaders and organizations step up with courage, not just when it’s easy, but when the pressure is on and the stakes are high. She’s also served as Vice Chair for the Department of Defense’s first-ever Advisory Committee on Diversity and Inclusion, showing her commitment to building workplaces where everyone can thrive. Mike Randolph is the Co-Founder and COO of The Agency Initiative and a strategic leader with expertise in operational effectiveness and holistic people development. Most recently, Mike held a senior position at YETI, leading and designing Talent Experience programs. Prior to that, he led the Talent Management and Leadership Development organizations at Tesla where he integrated courageous leadership practices into the people systems and programs that accelerated growth. The key moments in this episode are:00:05:17 - Understanding Fear in Leadership and Organizational Culture 00:07:04 - Fear-Based vs Courageous Leadership: Lessons from Tesla 00:10:05 - The Impact of Fear-Based Leadership on Organizations and Society 00:13:11 - The Normalization of Fear and Surveillance in the Workplace 00:15:53 - Leadership Examples Challenging Toxic Normalization 00:17:17 - The Business Case for Protecting Rights and Embracing Diversity 00:19:11 - Leading with Empathy during Crisis and Uncertainty 00:23:02 - The Agency Loop: Courage as the Fuel for Authentic Leadership 00:25:55 - Cultivating Agency, Authenticity, and Growth in Leadership 00:28:00 - Building Courage and Resilience in High-Speed Environments 00:31:00 - Listening to Understand: A Foundation for Authentic DEI Efforts 00:33:00 - Addressing Burnout and Learning Agility in Today’s Workforce 00:35:00 - Embracing Curiosity and Courage to Drive Inclusive Leadership 00:38:42 - The Importance of Diverse Leadership Reflecting Customer Needs 00:40:29 - Navigating Cultural Differences and Building Peace at Tesla 00:42:18 - Anchoring Leadership in a Shared Mission to Overcome Conflict 00:44:08 - Courageous Leadership Amid Fear and Toxicity in the Workplace Connect with Kristen Kavanaugh and Mike Randolph Follow on Instagram at @courageoverfearbook, @mikerandolph.official, and @kristenkavanaugh.official for updates and community engagement. Purchase the book at courageoverfearbook.com Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if I told you that the biggest risk in your leadership pipeline isn’t a lack of talent—it’s the way you’re thinking about it? Turns out, the next generation of global leaders aren’t just waiting to be tapped on the shoulder. They’re quietly crossing borders, blending cultures, and navigating AI-fueled change while most organizations are still playing catch-up with last year’s playbook. But here’s the kicker: the strategies that actually retain top talent and future-proof your teams might look nothing like what’s worked before. So, what’s the one shift that could turn your leadership succession into your biggest competitive edge? Let’s dig into it… In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how future-proofing leadership skills can keep your team ready for whatever comes next in a fast-changing world. Master succession planning techniques that ensure smooth leadership transitions across your global organization. Unlock strategies to retain top talent by creating engaging and inclusive environments where diverse teams thrive. Enhance cultural fluency to build leaders who connect deeply and lead effectively in diverse, international settings. Explore the impact of AI on leadership roles and learn how to adapt your leadership approach for the digital age. The key moments in this episode are:00:00:00 - Connecting and Engaging on Substack for Deeper Leadership Insights 00:01:10 - Future-Proofing Leadership: Global Succession Planning and Cultural Fluency 00:03:23 - Prioritizing Wellbeing and Human Limits in Leadership 00:06:00 - Diversity and Inclusion as Strategic Levers in Leadership and Succession 00:07:30 - Embracing Agility, Emotional Intelligence, and AI in Leadership’s Future "If your pipeline looks like yesterday’s leadership, your organization likely won’t survive tomorrow." - Lori Adams-Brown "The future belongs to leaders who are adaptable, inclusive, and digitally fluent—not just those with the right title on paper." - Lori Adams-Brown "Succession planning isn’t just an HR task; it’s a strategic growth lever that unlocks innovation and builds leaders who can thrive across borders and technologies." - Lori Adams-Brown Check out Get On Board Week with How Women Lead and consider participating next year. Find me on LinkedIn and send a direct message to connect or continue the conversation about leadership development. Share this podcast episode with a coworker, family member, book club, or anyone who would benefit from the conversation. Follow Lori on LinkedIn for more insights from Get On Board Week and the Talent Management Conference. Sign up for BetterHelp at www.betterhelp.com/difference to receive 10% off your first month of professional therapy. https://www.aworldofdifferencepodcast.com https://www.youtube.com/@aworldofdifference https://www.linkedin.com/company/aworldofdifference/ Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What if the one thing that could save your sanity at work isn’t learning to “tough it out”—but actually doing the exact opposite? Dr. Laura Hamley Lovett spent 25 years studying toxic bosses and she’s not just got the research, she’s got the receipts from her own career. In this episode, she uncovers survival tactics you’ve probably never considered, reveals the surprising signs you might be walking into a toxic environment before you even accept the offer, and shares why the people who care the most often get targeted the hardest. But here’s the twist: the real game-changer for escaping toxic leadership isn’t what you think. Ready to find out what it is—and why it might change everything for your career and your mental health? In this episode, you will be able to: Discover how to survive toxic bosses and workplaces without losing your sanity or passion for your career. Learn strategies for navigating toxic leadership that protect your mental health and keep you moving forward. Spot red flags in job interviews early to avoid stepping into a toxic work environment. Understand the hidden impact toxic bosses have on your mental health and how to shield yourself from burnout. Build a supportive network that empowers you to stand strong against workplace toxicity and thrive. My special guest is Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett DR. LAURA HAMBLEY LOVETT is an organizational psychologist and thought leader sought-after internationally for her expertise on workplace culture, career development, toxic leadership, and burnout. Along with her 25 years of experience in her field, she holds a PhD in industrial/organizational psychology from the University of Calgary, where she is currently an adjunct professor. A passionate entrepreneur, she has founded several psychology practices in Canada and hosts the widely followed podcast Where Work Meets Life. In addition to I Wish I’d Quit Sooner, she has published two psychological thrillers, Losing Cadence and Finding Sophie, aimed at both captivating readers and raising awareness on important topics around mental health and domestic violence, currently being adapted for a TV series. Dr. Laura is also co-founder of the WITH HER movement focused on ending violence against women and girls. She received a Canadian Women of Inspiration Award as a Global Influencer in 2018. The key moments in this episode are: 00:01:20 - Defining Toxic Bosses vs Difficult Bosses with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett 00:05:30 - Survival Strategies When Stuck with a Toxic Boss 00:11:40 - The Psychological Contract and Reframing Mindset to Cope 00:13:30 - Avoiding Toxic Bosses in Future Roles and Importance of Empathy 00:14:16 - Understanding Why Empaths Attract Toxic Bosses and Narcissists 00:16:01 - How to Avoid Reporting to a Toxic Boss: Due Diligence and Networking Strategies 00:18:21 - Assessing Workplace Culture and Leadership Authenticity Before Joining 00:22:37 - Why Organizations Retain Toxic Rock Star Leaders Despite Talent Loss 00:26:47 - Toxic Leadership’s Role in Burnout and Effective Systemic Interventions 00:28:45 - Understanding Toxic Leadership and Generational Burnout 00:30:00 - Navigating Multi-Generational Workplaces and Emotional Intelligence 00:33:00 - Advocating for Workplace Flexibility and Neurodiversity Inclusion 00:36:00 - Eradicating Toxic Leadership for Healthy Organizational Culture 00:37:30 - Parallels Between Workplace Toxicity and Gender-Based Violence 00:42:43 - Recognizing and Overcoming Toxic Leadership in the Workplace Check out the exclusive bonus episode coming soon with Dr. Lovett on Patreon at www.patreon.com/theWorldofDifference. Pre-order or purchase Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett’s book, I Wish I'd Quit Sooner, available for pre-order and soon on her website, Dr. Laura Live. Listen to the Where Work Meets Life podcast with Dr. Laura Hambley Lovett. Get 10% off your first month of therapy with BetterHelp by signing up at www.betterhelp.com/difference. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices